ESPN and ABC Flex Game Schedule Ahead of NBA Playoffs

NEW YORK, March 14, 2025 — With the NBA playoffs approaching, ESPN and its sister network ABC are making significant changes to their game schedules, flexing 13 games this season to prioritize intriguing matchups over stale matchups.

This adjustment initiative may set a record for the networks; the current record for game flexes is 15 during the 2014-2015 and 2019-2020 seasons. Typically, the networks opt to switch out 6-8 games each season. ESPN is focusing more on emerging teams rather than established big-market teams that have underperformed, maximizing viewer engagement in the process.

This Sunday, a game between the Philadelphia 76ers and Dallas Mavericks was scrapped and replaced with a matchup involving the Orlando Magic and Cleveland Cavaliers. The moves come as teams like the 76ers have struggled, and the Mavericks have been plagued by injuries to key players.

Top-seeded teams like the Milwaukee Bucks and Oklahoma City Thunder have seen significant airtime, being flexed into prime slots four and three times, respectively. The Memphis Grizzlies have also been featured three times this season.

Next Wednesday, viewers can look forward to the Miami Heat taking on the Detroit Pistons, a switch from the previously scheduled New Orleans Pelicans and Minnesota Timberwolves game.

“We’ve been aggressive this season in identifying ways to optimize our schedule in order to best serve NBA fans,” said Matt Kenny, ESPN’s vice president of programming and acquisitions. “We’ve capitalized on opportunities presented by the historic Luka Dončić trade while also flexing into the best matchups available. Our Cleveland vs. Orlando game on ABC this weekend is a good example. All of this is possible due to the tremendous collaboration we have with our partners at the NBA.”

Despite the scheduling changes, national ratings for NBA games on ESPN and ABC have remained flat leading up to the playoffs. This is notable as the NBA will enter a transitional phase next season with ESPN and ABC sharing broadcasting rights with NBC Sports and Amazon Prime Video.